It started with a phone call from Uncle Ron, Friday night. He asked if I wanted to meet Shane at Portage, and go Perch Fishing! Naturally, I said sure!, and began gathering my fishing gear!
Up at 4:45 am, I picked up Uncle Ron, and headed for Portage. It's to be my first time on Lake Michigan, and in Shane's boat. He has a 21' Lund, that is an angler's dream. Weather was in the 70's, but rain to come later. Shane bought 10 dozen minnows!
Not knowing what kind of rig to use, Shane gave me two rigs that he had prepared. Two hooks, one with purple beads, one with green beads.
Shane circled around a bit, looking for fish on his Lorance, and picked a spot. Uncle Ron's lines were already in the water!
I was on the Port side, Uncle Ron on the Starboard side, Shane at the Bow. I finally dropped both lines in, just outside of the "mouth", by the Portage launch.
Uncle Ron spotted a boat named "Bite Me", who is a friend of Paul's. We pulled up to them and chatted. They decide to travel over to the "donut", near the dunes.
After awhile, nothing was happening. Laughing, Shane said "Uncle Donn, if you're the reason we're not catching any fish, I'll never invite you back!"
Wham! I caught the first throwback. Then we all started getting hits! I got a double on one rod, the purple-bead rig. We were all tossing perch into the live well. The bite was going pretty strong.
Shane got a phone call from "Bite Me", and they were getting bigger perch, so we pulled up and traveled at about 1000 miles per hour over to the "donut". (What a fast boat he has!)
We arrived in one piece, and anchored right over a giant school of perch. It was high speed fishing! I got 3 more doubles! At some point, Shane laughed "Uncle Donn, if you're going to catch all the fish, I'll never invite you back again!"
We would bait our hooks, drop the line, and get bites on the drop. Pull up, toss the fish into the box, bait, and drop!
Shane made a purple rig for Uncle Ron, and it was working just as well for him! The green bead rig was not doing anything, so I pulled the rod. It was enough to keep up with my purple rig!
We quickly made our limit, so we culled the smaller fish out of the box. The weather began changing, and suddenly we had waves in the 3 to 5 foot range! And just like that, the bite stopped! Suddenly, I couldn't remember what it was like to catch a fish. How does the rod move when a fish is on?
We decided to head back home, passing an ore boat, the Winfred Sykes, out of Indiana Harbor. We drove around it and were amazed at how quiet it's engines were! It seemed about 2 football fields in length!
Back at the launch, we just got the boat out when it began to rain. Perfect timing!
(Maybe I'll get invited back someday?)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Lake Gogebic Spring 2009
Lake Gogebic – May 29,30,31, June 1
This is my fourth trip to Lake Gogebic, but it’s Herb’s 106th!
I drove up myself this time in the Accord, left at 4:45am, arrived at 2pm. Forgot the lunchmeat, had to find a Walmart. I drove Pat crazy with my lists and sub-lists around the house. Not to mention the trips to Bass Pro shop and Cabella’s.
Anyway, the drive was long, but since there was to be fishing at the end of it, not so long after all! Piece of cake after Steven’s Point.
After unpacking, I went out with Herb, and Mike, from 5pm to 8pm. Weather was cool, but tolerable. Mike was getting hits every 15 minutes! At one point, he got a double! Hits on both of his rods! Mike was using red line, with red hooks. Herb was of the opinion that Mike had gone over to the "Dark Side" by using this line. He ended up with boating 5, keeping one 17 1/2" Walleye. Herb was fishing the front of the boat, and nabbed 2 throwbacks.
Zig and Ben arrived while we were out. Kenny and BG, and Sam are due in on Saturday.
We dined at the bar Friday night, sampling their delicious pizza, and we called it a night.
Saturday morning, 5:30am, Herb woke me up with the words I'd been waiting for - "Let's go fishing!". On the water at 6:00, pretty wavy, and coldish, around 46 degrees. Mike grabbed 4 throwbacks, Herb 3 throwbacks, with one 20" keeper Walleye. I got a 8" throwback, while I was not looking. (Mike pointed it out to me). We stayed out until 9:30, and headed in for our "breakfast". We had coffee, and sandwiches, and then the weather got worse. I called home and woke Pat up!
The weather turned and stayed evil. Too choppy to go out!
Meanwhile, Sam arrived, driving in from Kansas! After unpacking, Sam and I went shore fishing, from the "point" up to the "Yooper House". We got some nibbles, but no catches.
Dinner is grilled Bratwurst, and Turkey Brats (for me), grilled on the little grill on our deck.
After dinner, Ken and BG can't take the no-fishing non-activity, so they decided to go out, and invited me along. BG managed to get a 14 1/2" throwback, and Ken caught a 15" keeper! The weather was getting worse, so we headed in, and off to the bar.
At the bar, we got the "Juke Box (fancy, internet version)" cranked up, and enjoyed a lively evening of beers, and songs. One of Herb's favorites was "God is great, Beer is good, and People are crazy"! (along with the every popular "Maggie May".)
On Sunday, Herb work me up with "Hey Donn", and out we scooted to get on the lake. Very iffy weather going on. We fished from 6-10:30 am, and came in amidst storms coming. Mike caught one throwback, and Herb caught 2. I caught 1 throwback.
Back at the lodge, we have 9 guys trying to find something to do. The TV committed suicide, and we finally figured out how to get behind it, and re-boot it by unplugging it and plugging it back in. Naps were in order but Zig and I decided to re-rig our rods.
I brought in my gadget to spool line. and changed to red, 8lb. line, thus switching to the "Dark Side", like Mike. Zig was rigging his 9 foot rod that he brought along. Rigging is a very quiet, and peaceful process, and we were aware of each others work, but absolutely concentrating on our work. It took about an hour.
The weather was getting worse and worse, so we gathered around the now-working TV to watch the always funny but endlessly long "Ground Hog Day" movie.
We had 5 laptops, and many cellphones, so we decided to check out the weather forcast for the evening.
It looked to us like there was a "window of opportunity" from about 4pm to 6pm, during which the storm would pass by, followed by another storm front in a couple of hours. Zig and I decided to head for the lodge and wait. This is where we encountered the painter.
A nice enough guy, 70 years old, and very proud that he was in such good health. The secret to good health is to not let the stress get to you, he claimed. Which is why when not painting houses, and decks, he could be found in a bar. After about 5 minutes, Zig and I hated him, but he wouldn't stop talking.
Finally, so as to not miss our "window of opportunity" we went back to the cabin, put on our rain gear and out on the lake we went! The white caps were smaller, and Herb caught a 13" throwback. Just as it started raining harder, we made our way back to shore to prepare a dinner of steak, chicken, and potatoes. Sam said Grace, and we all added our personal prayers. A delicious meal, with good friends!
We finished up cleaning the dishes, and returned to the lodge bar, where, sure enough, the painter was still not-stressing, and telling the same stories he had told to Zig and me. We avoided him like the plague, but by then he had been not-stressing for several hours and no longer recognized us.
I began to pack it up, as I was leaving first thing the next day. Another memorable trip to Lake Gogebic was history!
Check out the photos:
http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z2/donndavidson/Lake%20Gogebic%20May%202009/
This is my fourth trip to Lake Gogebic, but it’s Herb’s 106th!
I drove up myself this time in the Accord, left at 4:45am, arrived at 2pm. Forgot the lunchmeat, had to find a Walmart. I drove Pat crazy with my lists and sub-lists around the house. Not to mention the trips to Bass Pro shop and Cabella’s.
Anyway, the drive was long, but since there was to be fishing at the end of it, not so long after all! Piece of cake after Steven’s Point.
After unpacking, I went out with Herb, and Mike, from 5pm to 8pm. Weather was cool, but tolerable. Mike was getting hits every 15 minutes! At one point, he got a double! Hits on both of his rods! Mike was using red line, with red hooks. Herb was of the opinion that Mike had gone over to the "Dark Side" by using this line. He ended up with boating 5, keeping one 17 1/2" Walleye. Herb was fishing the front of the boat, and nabbed 2 throwbacks.
Zig and Ben arrived while we were out. Kenny and BG, and Sam are due in on Saturday.
We dined at the bar Friday night, sampling their delicious pizza, and we called it a night.
Saturday morning, 5:30am, Herb woke me up with the words I'd been waiting for - "Let's go fishing!". On the water at 6:00, pretty wavy, and coldish, around 46 degrees. Mike grabbed 4 throwbacks, Herb 3 throwbacks, with one 20" keeper Walleye. I got a 8" throwback, while I was not looking. (Mike pointed it out to me). We stayed out until 9:30, and headed in for our "breakfast". We had coffee, and sandwiches, and then the weather got worse. I called home and woke Pat up!
The weather turned and stayed evil. Too choppy to go out!
Meanwhile, Sam arrived, driving in from Kansas! After unpacking, Sam and I went shore fishing, from the "point" up to the "Yooper House". We got some nibbles, but no catches.
Dinner is grilled Bratwurst, and Turkey Brats (for me), grilled on the little grill on our deck.
After dinner, Ken and BG can't take the no-fishing non-activity, so they decided to go out, and invited me along. BG managed to get a 14 1/2" throwback, and Ken caught a 15" keeper! The weather was getting worse, so we headed in, and off to the bar.
At the bar, we got the "Juke Box (fancy, internet version)" cranked up, and enjoyed a lively evening of beers, and songs. One of Herb's favorites was "God is great, Beer is good, and People are crazy"! (along with the every popular "Maggie May".)
On Sunday, Herb work me up with "Hey Donn", and out we scooted to get on the lake. Very iffy weather going on. We fished from 6-10:30 am, and came in amidst storms coming. Mike caught one throwback, and Herb caught 2. I caught 1 throwback.
Back at the lodge, we have 9 guys trying to find something to do. The TV committed suicide, and we finally figured out how to get behind it, and re-boot it by unplugging it and plugging it back in. Naps were in order but Zig and I decided to re-rig our rods.
I brought in my gadget to spool line. and changed to red, 8lb. line, thus switching to the "Dark Side", like Mike. Zig was rigging his 9 foot rod that he brought along. Rigging is a very quiet, and peaceful process, and we were aware of each others work, but absolutely concentrating on our work. It took about an hour.
The weather was getting worse and worse, so we gathered around the now-working TV to watch the always funny but endlessly long "Ground Hog Day" movie.
We had 5 laptops, and many cellphones, so we decided to check out the weather forcast for the evening.
It looked to us like there was a "window of opportunity" from about 4pm to 6pm, during which the storm would pass by, followed by another storm front in a couple of hours. Zig and I decided to head for the lodge and wait. This is where we encountered the painter.
A nice enough guy, 70 years old, and very proud that he was in such good health. The secret to good health is to not let the stress get to you, he claimed. Which is why when not painting houses, and decks, he could be found in a bar. After about 5 minutes, Zig and I hated him, but he wouldn't stop talking.
Finally, so as to not miss our "window of opportunity" we went back to the cabin, put on our rain gear and out on the lake we went! The white caps were smaller, and Herb caught a 13" throwback. Just as it started raining harder, we made our way back to shore to prepare a dinner of steak, chicken, and potatoes. Sam said Grace, and we all added our personal prayers. A delicious meal, with good friends!
We finished up cleaning the dishes, and returned to the lodge bar, where, sure enough, the painter was still not-stressing, and telling the same stories he had told to Zig and me. We avoided him like the plague, but by then he had been not-stressing for several hours and no longer recognized us.
I began to pack it up, as I was leaving first thing the next day. Another memorable trip to Lake Gogebic was history!
Check out the photos:
http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z2/donndavidson/Lake%20Gogebic%20May%202009/
Monday, May 18, 2009
Galena May 16-18 2009
Wow - Thanks Ron and Kathy for inviting us to your lovely home in Galena! A very nice weekend was had by all. We drove up in a downpour Friday afternoon, in unusually terrible Friday night traffic, but the anticipation of seeing our friends Ron and Kathy made the drive manageable! When we arrived, we were treated with clear weather and a roaring backyard bonfire, along with a few libations. Saturday morning we breakfasted at the Eagle Ridge Lodge.
On the Lake at 11:00, Ron and I began fishing. Slim pickens!
The lake was as clear as can be, with visibility down to at least 8 ft., so the fish were hiding! Our wives joined us, but we had trouble with the wind.We went back to their house for mushroom tacos, enjoying the unique taste of morel Mushrooms. We were bundled up in all our coats, and hoods up as we sought shelter from the wind. Finally Ron caught the first largemouth of the day.
I had one rod off the back of the boat, just "dead-sticking" while I fiddled with diferent lure combinations on my bait caster in the front. The clattering of the rod siginaled a fish was on on the dead-stick, and sure enough, it was my first Large Mouth! Ron and I each caught one more fish each, with Ron's being a nice 18".
Calling it a day, we had a nice wam-up in the hot tub, followed by Kathy's famous vegetable soup for dinner, and another bonfire. Sitting around a bonfire is a good way to solve the world's problems!
Sunday was bacon and eggs, and off we went again to the lake. Kathy caught 2 fish, one of them about a 18", Ron caught 2, and I caught another largemouth on a "dead-stick" again. I catch more fish when I just leave the rod drifiting in the water. This time Ron caught my rod as it started to be pulled into the lake. I think there's a message here for me.
Another great weekend in Galena, and a good start to our summer season!
Thanks to Ron and Kathy!
On the Lake at 11:00, Ron and I began fishing. Slim pickens!
The lake was as clear as can be, with visibility down to at least 8 ft., so the fish were hiding! Our wives joined us, but we had trouble with the wind.We went back to their house for mushroom tacos, enjoying the unique taste of morel Mushrooms. We were bundled up in all our coats, and hoods up as we sought shelter from the wind. Finally Ron caught the first largemouth of the day.
I had one rod off the back of the boat, just "dead-sticking" while I fiddled with diferent lure combinations on my bait caster in the front. The clattering of the rod siginaled a fish was on on the dead-stick, and sure enough, it was my first Large Mouth! Ron and I each caught one more fish each, with Ron's being a nice 18".
Calling it a day, we had a nice wam-up in the hot tub, followed by Kathy's famous vegetable soup for dinner, and another bonfire. Sitting around a bonfire is a good way to solve the world's problems!
Sunday was bacon and eggs, and off we went again to the lake. Kathy caught 2 fish, one of them about a 18", Ron caught 2, and I caught another largemouth on a "dead-stick" again. I catch more fish when I just leave the rod drifiting in the water. This time Ron caught my rod as it started to be pulled into the lake. I think there's a message here for me.
Another great weekend in Galena, and a good start to our summer season!
Thanks to Ron and Kathy!
Monday, May 4, 2009
First Catch of the year! May 3, 2009
After fishing the local ponds, and even Wolf Lake, since January, I have finally caught fish! One begins to forget what it feels like to get a bite. The definitive tug-tug. The desparate yank on the rod, often more of a reflex than anything else. The adrenaline rush. Uncle Mike and Karen invited us to his place last Sunday (5.3.09). Uncle Ron and Aunt Marka were there as well as Shane, Kim, Lance, Caleb, and several large brown dogs, and one small, but mighty Jack Russell.
After a giantic lunch, we all headed to his pond. I bravely tried out my bait caster rigged with a minnow-like lure with a yellow jig. I set it up using the "Zack rig" of Lake Gogebic fame.
I located a spot with a lot of weedy structure, and after a few panicky minutes (what if I never catch a fish again? have I lost it? why am I like this?), I caught a smallish Largemouth! I moved over a little bit, and caught a Crappie with sharp fins! Then another Crappie. This one hit on the drop, and fell off the hook at my feet. He flopped his way back into the pond, before I could grab him. I moved a little bit, and started pitching into a likely hole, just outside of the weeds. I could feel the nibbles, but no bites.
Then wham, a good sized 3 lb Largemouth! Much splashing! I had trouble reeling him in, thru the weed cover, the rod was bent double. I heaved up and got him to me. Nice size, maybe 18in. While removing the hook (had to use my pliers), I stuck my finger, and got blood on the rod's handle (badge of honor). This fish had teeth, and my left thumb got scraped where I lipped him. What fun!
I finished up with another Crappie. This is the first time I've caught anything on my bait caster.
Back at the house we had a delicious dessert, and a libation. (How does Karen do all this?) Off to the pole barn, Uncle Mike gave me some lures that he had overstocked on, including my first Mepps!
Thanks for inviting us!
Fish count: 3 Crappie, 2 Largemouth.
After a giantic lunch, we all headed to his pond. I bravely tried out my bait caster rigged with a minnow-like lure with a yellow jig. I set it up using the "Zack rig" of Lake Gogebic fame.
I located a spot with a lot of weedy structure, and after a few panicky minutes (what if I never catch a fish again? have I lost it? why am I like this?), I caught a smallish Largemouth! I moved over a little bit, and caught a Crappie with sharp fins! Then another Crappie. This one hit on the drop, and fell off the hook at my feet. He flopped his way back into the pond, before I could grab him. I moved a little bit, and started pitching into a likely hole, just outside of the weeds. I could feel the nibbles, but no bites.
Then wham, a good sized 3 lb Largemouth! Much splashing! I had trouble reeling him in, thru the weed cover, the rod was bent double. I heaved up and got him to me. Nice size, maybe 18in. While removing the hook (had to use my pliers), I stuck my finger, and got blood on the rod's handle (badge of honor). This fish had teeth, and my left thumb got scraped where I lipped him. What fun!
I finished up with another Crappie. This is the first time I've caught anything on my bait caster.
Back at the house we had a delicious dessert, and a libation. (How does Karen do all this?) Off to the pole barn, Uncle Mike gave me some lures that he had overstocked on, including my first Mepps!
Thanks for inviting us!
Fish count: 3 Crappie, 2 Largemouth.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Cat-Bite-Fever (or is it Cat-Scratch-Fever?)
February 7 thru 13th. Saturday, the weather was warm, 60ish, so I want down to my Maynard Lake fishing pond lookin for holes in the ice to cast a line into, from the shore. I did locate some under the bridge, and cast into them from the bridge abuttment, just for fun! Nothing happening but at least I was fishing again. However, on Sunday, another thing happened. I was in the back yard practicing casting with my bait-caster, with kitty chasing the hex nut that I have on as a practice lure. Suddenly, kitty dashed into our neighbors falling-down-garage, chasing something. It was another cat. I saw the other cat race out of the corner hole in their garage, so I went over to grab kitty. BIG MISTAKE! He chomped on my right wrist, just below the thumb. I swore, grabbed him, picked up my bait-caster and put it away, and put him in the house. Four hours later, I'm in the ER with Pat, in a lot of pain. After a six hour wait in the ER, I was admitted, with an obvious infection spreading over my hand and up my arm.
Here's a link to some photos of the cat that did all this damage. www.computerprofessionals.com/kitty.htm
Today is Wednesday, my 3rd day in the hospital. I have an IV tree with 4 dripping bags of stuff pouring into my IV. My hand and arm looked like a bad sunburn on a stuffed sausage! Each shift of nurses draws a line surrounding the latest advance of redness, so my arm looks like a contour line map. I think it's getting better. Pat bought me a beany-baby cat, just to keep me company!
I wonder what's for dinner?
Breaking News! I'm Free Again! Friday the 13th, I was released back to the loving care of my dear wife, and my now, not-so-nice cat!
Here's a link to some photos of the cat that did all this damage. www.computerprofessionals.com/kitty.htm
Today is Wednesday, my 3rd day in the hospital. I have an IV tree with 4 dripping bags of stuff pouring into my IV. My hand and arm looked like a bad sunburn on a stuffed sausage! Each shift of nurses draws a line surrounding the latest advance of redness, so my arm looks like a contour line map. I think it's getting better. Pat bought me a beany-baby cat, just to keep me company!
I wonder what's for dinner?
Breaking News! I'm Free Again! Friday the 13th, I was released back to the loving care of my dear wife, and my now, not-so-nice cat!
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